Interconnecting unit construction for combined molding and wiring systems



Oct. 3, 1939. R. L. DAVISON 2,175,146

COMBINED MOLDING AND WIRING SYSTEMS INTERCONNEGTING UNIT CONSTRUCTION FOR Fi led May 11, 1934 2 Sheets-$heet 1 INVENTOR Lgvnson ATTORNEY Oct. 3,1939. L DAWS N V 2,175,146

INTERCONNBCTiNG UNIT CONSTRUCTION FOR COMBINED MOLDING AND WIRING SYSTEMS Filed May 11, 1934 2 Shets-Shet 2 INVENTOR Ber? Da n Y Au-e4 HI ORNEY Patented Oct. 3, 1939 PATENT OFFICE 2,175,146 I INTERCONNECT'ING 'UNIT CONSTRUCTION FOR COMBINED MOLDING AND SYSTEMS WIRING Robert L. Davison, New York, N. Y., assig'nor to John B. Pierce Foundation, New York, corporation of New York N. Y., a

Application May 11, 1934, Serial No. 725,063

, 6 Claims.

disclosed in the aforesaid copending application,

as provided with rods or rod-like conductors, the terminals of the sameprojecting at both ends and beyond the endsof the short unit. In the long units, the tubular conductors do not project at either end of each unit, and preferably may be flush therewith.' An advantage of such construction is that each long unit permits the manufacture of the same in standard lengths, and enables any desired length for individual installations to be obtained by the mere sawing or cutting of a standard length to the desired individual length.

The present invention seeks the securement of the terminals of the short unit interiorly, i. e. telescopically relative to the associated tubular conductors embedded in the long lengths by means of a terminal element or elements having one end provided with serrations, the body of such serrated portion being preferably also tapered and provided with longitudinal grooves or flutes on its periphery, resulting in what might be termed a. mutilated screw or a-tap. Each element is also provided with settable means for attachment to the conductors extending through the short unit, the conventional forked or U-shaped terminal, or other suitable connection means on one end of the terminal element affording electrical engagement and mechanical connection to such conductors to be had by means of a set-screw.

In developing my invention as an element in an electric current distributing system, the various conditions arising in installation problems require a pluralityof different kinds of' short units. Practically every condition arising may be met with a minimum of three difierent kinds of short units; a straight unit for association with the adjacent spaced ends of two long units; an

inside angle'short member; and an outside angle short member. Other kinds of short units may 56 be advantageously employed, but are not essential.

In my present application I have illustrated a straight short unit and an inside angle short unit. The construction of the outside angle short unit, except for the turn of the angle, is the same as H the construction of the inside angle short unit, and hence but one of these units will be illustrated and described.

The embodiment of the aforesaid principal feature of this invention also results in a construction of an electrical device possessing other advantages, as will be hereinafter more fully explained in the detailed description of one embodiment of my invention.

Further features and objects of the invention will be more fully understood from the following detail description and the accompanying drawings, in which,

Fig. 1 is a top plan view of a preferred form of short unit construction, the cover or upper portion of the same being removed to expose otherwise hidden parts; Fig. 1 also shows in plan long units associated with the short unit at either end, the left-hand unit being broken away for clarity; v

Fig. 2 is a bottom plan view of the cover or top portion of the short unit;

Fig. 3 is an end elevationof the short unit, the cover or upper portion of Fig. 2 being assembled with the body or bottom portion shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is a verticalsectional elevation, on an enlarged scale, on line 4-4 in Fig. 1;

Fig. 5 is a sectional elevation, also on an enlarged scale on line 5-5 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 6 is. a perspective view of one terminal element of the short unit;

Fig. 7 is a plan view, partly in section, of an inside angle short unit embodying my'in vention;

Fig. 8 is an endelevation, partly in section, of the unit shown in Fig. '7; I

Fig. 9 is a, section on the line 99 of Fig. 7; and,

Fig. 10 is a fragmentary plan view of the base, looking in the direction of the arrows on line ll||0 of Fig. 8. 3

Fig. 1 illustrates the manner in which my present invention is assembled with and between two long units," such as the units described and claimed inm'y copending application above referred to. These long'units are designated by the reference numer 1 l0, and-embedded therein and extending longit dinallythereof is a pair of tubular conductors ll, of copper or other suit,- able conducting material, such conductors being arranged parallel to "or spaced apart fromeach 55.

other, as shown in the drawings The ends of the tubular conductors II terminate preferably flush with the ends of the long units I0. As shown, the long units ID are spaced apart from each other and the intervening space between such units is to be occupied by a short unit I2 embodying my present invention.

This short unit consists of a base block l2a, having a cover plate I3 mounted thereon, and such base block l2a and cover I3, respectively, when assembled together as a unit as shown in Figs. 3, 4 and 5, has a cross sectional area similar and equal to the cross sectional area of the long units III, so that when the short unit embodying my invention is placed in the space between two adjacent long units III, the continuity of the molding produced thereby 'is unbroken.

Arranged on the face of the base l2a are the conducting bars or strips I4, these bars I4 being arranged spaced apart and substantially parallel to each other. The ends of the bars I4 terminate at a point within the ends of the base l2a. Secured to the under face of the ends of the bars I4 are anchoring posts I5, such securement being obtained by staking, or in any other desired manner. Recesses I6 are formed in the body of the base l2a and in which the anchoring posts I are housed, as clearly shown in Fig. 4. Each anchoring post I5 is drilled and tapped to receive a binding or set screw II, which serves to securely fasten one end of a terminal connector I8 to the ends of the bars I4.

The terminal connector I8 is illustrated in perspective in Fig. 6, and is shown in operative relation with respect to the conducting bars I4 and tubular conductors II, in Fig. 1. Referring to such Figs. 1 and 6, the terminal connector I8 is formed of a substantially cylindrical body I9 provided with a plurality of serrations thereon, i. e. in the form of a screw thread, one end 20 of the body I9 is frusto-conical in shape to facilitate the entrance of the cylindrical body I9 into the end of the tubular conductors I I. The cylindrical serrated or threaded body I9 of the terminal con nector I8 is provided with longitudinal grooves or flutes 2I. The terminal connector I8 is made of relatively hard metal, as phosphor bronze, and its construction is such that it acts as a tap, readily forcing its way into the end of the tubular conductors II. The external diameter of the threaded body I9 of the terminal connector I8 is greater than the internal diameter of the tubular conductors II. At the end of the cylindrical body I9, remote from the frusto-conical part 20, is formed integral therewith a flat member 22, provided with a U-shaped slot 23, and which slot partially encircles the body of the binding or set screw I'I, under the head of such binding or set screw. The flat member 22 has been shown provided with a U-shaped slot 23 but obviously, I am not limited to this exact construction, and a perforation may be substituted for the U-shaped slot. The area of the flat member 22 is so proportioned relatively to the upper end of the anchoring post I5 and the under face of the-head of the binding or set screw I I, that the maximum contact area is obtained.

The threaded or serrated and longitudinally fluted body I9 of the terminal connector I8 is readily screwed into the open terminal end ofa tubular conductor II, the tap-like formation of the body I9 insuringa rigid and intimate engagement between the terminal connector and the tubular conductor. The base block l2a, with the conducting bars or strips in position thereon, is

then placed between the adjacent ends of the long units III-see Fig. 1-the binding or set screws I'I passed through the U-shaped slots 23, or equivalent perforations, into engagement with the anchoring posts I5. The binding or set screws I! are screwed into the anchoring posts I5 firmly clamping the fiat portion 22 to the conducting bars or strips I4 and completing the electrical connection between the ends of the tubular conductors II in the adjacent long units III.

The end faces of the base block l2a are provided with substantially rectangular grooves 24 of a depth substantially equal to the diameter of the cylindrical body I9 of the terminal connectors I8, and through which such cylindrical body I9 may pass (see Fig. 3).

' Fitting on the top of the base block l2a is the cover plate I3, provided with countersunk holes 25 through which may pass the securing screws 26. These screws 26 engage with internally threaded sleeves 21 embedded in the material of the base block l2a. Formed integral with the cover plate I3, and on the under face thereof, are longitudinally extending plates or partitions 28, and transversely extending plates or skirts 29. The skirts 29 engage with the top ends of the base block l2a and, complete the substantially rectangular grooves 24 in which are located the cylindrical body portions I9 of the terminal connectors I8. The cover plate I3, together with the plates 28 and skirts 29 completely house the various elements mounted on the top of the base block l2a.

When the cover plate I3 is mounted on the base block l2a, in the manner above described, the two members form a connecting link or block of the same shape and cross-sectional area as the long units I0, and therefore, the continuity of the long units I0 appears unbroken.

The short unit I2 may preferably be utilized as the point, at which connection is made from power leads to the tubular conductors I I, or conductors are attached to take power from the tubular conductors II. The construction of the short unit is such that conducting elements may be readily attached to the tubular conductors II,

strips I4 is perforated as indicated at 30, and

through which may pass, from the bottom of the base block l2a, the individual conductors 3I forming 'the cable 32. Preferably also the bottom end of the perforations 30 is enlarged as indicated at 33, whereby a chamber is formed in which bending of the cable 32 is facilitated.

The number of perforations 30 may be as many as desired within the limits. of the short units I2, and I have shown the short unit I2 in the drawings as being providedwith two such perforations 30, and therefore two cables 32.

To facilitate the attachment of the individual conductors 3I of the cable 32 to the conducting bars or strips I4, I preferably provide such bars with threaded perforations, in each of which is screwed a binding or set screw 34. The ends of Y the conductors 3| are clamped between the bar or strip I4 and the binding or set screws 34. To provide space for the end of the binding or set screws 34, I form recesses 35, see Fig. 5, in the base block l2a beneath the set screws 34.

The above description pertains to the novel construction of a short unit embodying my invention, where such unit is to be used as an element in a straight run, where the long and short elements may be placed end to end along one side of a room, or other enclosure. Where an angle occurs in a room, as in a corner, my invention may be employed, but the form thereof differs from that disclosed in Figs. 1 to 5 of the drawings, and described above.

There is shown in Figs. 7, 8, 9 and 10 a form of my invention which may be utilized as the connecting link between adjacent long units l0, where such units meet in the corner of a room, or other enclosure.

As in the form of my invention shown in Figs. 1 to 5 inclusive, the present form, shown in Figs. 7-10 inclusive, comprises a base block, conducting, bars or strips mounted thereon, and a cover for the base block enclosing the conducting bars or strips. The specific form of such individual elements is different, the differences being controlled mainly by the situation in which the units are to be used.

Referring to Figs. 7-10 inclusive, 36 designates a short corner unit, comprised of a base block 31 having a cover plate 38 secured thereto. In plan view, one angle of the short corner unit 36, as the angle 39, is a right angle and is adapted to be placed in the corner made by the meeting of a floor and two walls. The end faces of the short corner unit 36 have the form and area of the end faces of the long units in, and therefore, when my improved short corner unit 36 is assembled with long units Hi, the smooth exposed contour of the long units III is unbroken in passing over the short corner unit.

In the present modification of my invention, I

provide, in the upper face of the base block 31,

two arcuate grooves 40 and 4| respectively, such grooves being separated from the end faces of the base blockiby the partitions -42. These partitions 42 are provided with notches 43 in alignment with the grooves 40 and 4|.

. Housed within the grooves 40 and 4|, are the conducting bars or strips 44 and 45 respectively, such strips being arcuate in form, to conform to the shape of the grooves 40 and 4|. At each end of each of the conducting bars or strips 44 and 45 v is secured, as, by staking, an anchoring post 46. Such posts are housed within depressions formed in the base block 31. Also, such posts are drilled and tapped to receive the binding or set screws 41. The terminal connectors l8, illustrated in Fig. 6, are screwed into the terminal end of the tubular conductors l I, in the manner heretofore described, and the fiat end 22 clamped to the conducting bars or strips 44 and 45 by the binding or set screws 41. The cover plate 38 is held in position on the base block 31 by screws engaging in threaded members 49 embedded in the base block. While in this formof my invention, I may provide means for attaching conductors-other than'the tubular conductors lI-to the conducting bars or strips 44 and 45, I prefer not to do' so, and therefore have not illustrated means for sodoing.

Various other forms and modifications of my invention will readily suggest themselves to those skilled in the art, and therefore I may vary the size, shape, and arrangement of parts comprising mydevlce within relatively wide limits without departing from the spirit of the invention. 1

Iclaim; I Y

1. A combined molding and electrical wiring system comprising alternately assembled long and .short conductor carrying units composed entirely of insulating material, and adapted to serve as a building molding, hollow electrical conductors in- 5 sulatedly embodied in each long unit having termini respectively substantially flush at each end of each long unit, said short units serving as couplings for the long units and having electrical conductors insulatedly embodied therein having 10 termini respectively projecting at each end of each short unit and arranged to respectively engage the hollow termini of the conductors of adjacent long units, certain of said short units being provided with outlet means, the exposed faces of said long units and said short units being substantially identical in facial contour to effect visual continuity when assembled, the projecting terminal portions of the electrical conductors of certain of said short units being elements separable from their respective body portions, each element having a generally cylindrical end bearing screwthreaded faces for insertion to effect mechanical and good electrical connection within the hollow terminal portion of an associated hollow conductor, and means for securing each such element in mechanical and good electrical engagement with its body portion.

2. A combinedmolding and electrical wiring system comprising alternately assembled long and short conductor carrying units composed entirely of insulating material, and adapted to serve as a building molding, hollow electrical conductors insulatedly embodied in each long unit having termini respectively substantially flush at each end of each long unit, said short units serving as couplings for the long units and having electrical conductors insulatedly embodied therein having termini respectively projecting at each end of each sho'rt unit and arranged to respectively engage the hollow termini of the conductors of adjacent long units, certain of said short units being provided with outlet means, the exposed faces of said long units .and said: short units having their.:-*-lateral edges in rectilinear alignment to effect visual continuity when assembled, the projecting terminal portions of the electrical conductors of certain of said short units being elements separable from their respective body portions, each element having a generally cylindrical end bearing screw- 50 and short conductor carrying units composed entirely of insulating material, and adapted'to'lo serve as a building molding, said short units serv- -ing as couplings for the long units, the conductors of said long units and said short units being in continuous conductive relationship when the units are assembled end to end, the insulation within the body of each long unit and each short unit wholly embracing the respective conductors of such unit and integrally extending from conductorto conductor of such unit, the exposed faces of said long units and said short units having their lateral edges in rectilinear alignment to effect visual continuity when assembled, one

of said short units being-provided with an openingat anunexposed face to afford access to the respective conductors of such 'unit for eifecting engagement 55 electrical connection with the service lines, the projecting terminal portions of the electrical conductors of certain of said short units being elements separable from their respective body portions, each element having a generally cylindrical end bearing screw-threaded faces for insertion to efiect mechanical and good electrical connection within the hollow terminal portion of an associated hollow conductor, and means for securing each such element in mechanical and good electrical engagement with its body portion.

4. A combined molding and electrical wiring system comprising alternately assembled long and short conductor carrying units composed entirely of insulating material, and adapted to serve as a building molding, hollow electrical conductors insulatedly embodied in each long unit having termini respectively substantially flush at each end of each long unit, said short units serving as couplings for the long units and having electrical conductors insulatedly embodied therein having termini respectively projecting at each end of each short unit and arranged to respectively engage the hollow termini of the conductors of adjacent long units, certain of said short units being provided with outlet means, the exposed faces of said long units and said short units being substantially identical in facial contour to effect visual continuity when assembled,

the projecting terminal portions of the electrical conductors of certain of said short units being elements separable from their respective body portions, each element having a generally cylindrical end bearing screw-threaded faces for insertion to efiect mechanical and good electrical connection within the hollow terminal portion of an associated hollow conductor, and means for securing each such element in mechanical and good electrical engagement with its body portion, the body of said certain short units being of separable parts to afford access to said element securing means.

5. A combined molding and electrical wiring system comprising alternately assembled long and short conductor carrying units composed entirely of insulating material, and adapted to serve as a building molding, hollow electrical conductors insulatedly embodied in each long unit having termini respectively substantially flush at each end of each long unit, said short units serving as couplings for the long units and having electrical conductors insulatedly embodied therein having termini respectively projecting at each end of each short unit and arranged to respectively engage the hollow termini of the conductors of adjacent long units, certain of said short units being provided with outlet means, the exposed faces of said long units and said short units having their lateral edges in rectilinear alignment to effect visual continuity when assembled, the projecting terminal portions of the electrical conductors of certain of said short units being elements separable from their respective body portions, each element having a generally cylindrical end bearing screw-threaded faces for insertion to effect mechanical and good electrical connection within the hollow terminal portion of an associated hollow conductor, and means for securing each such element in mechanical and good electrical engagement with its body portion, the body of said certain short units being of separable parts to aiford access to said element securing means.

6. A combined molding and electrical wiring system comprising alternately assembled long and short conductor carrying units composed entirely of insulating material, and adapted to serve as a building molding, said short units serving as couplings for the long units, the conductors of said long units and said short units being in continuous conductive relationship when the units are, assembled end to end, the insulation within the body ofeach long unit and each short unit wholly embracing the respective conductors of such unit and integrally extending from conductor to conductor of such unit, the exposed faces of said long units and said short units having their lateral edges in rectilinear alignment to effect visual continuity when assembled, one

of said short units being provided with an opening at an unexposed face to afford access to the respective conductors of such unit for effecting electrical connection with the service lines, the projecting terminal portions of the electrical conductors of certain of said short units being elements separable from their respective body portions, each element having a generally cylindrical end bearing screw-threaded faces for insertion to eifect mechanical and good electrical connection within the hollow terminal portion of an associated hollow conductor, and means for securing each such element in mechanical and good electrical engagement with its body portion, the body of said certain short units being of separable parts to afford access to said element securing means.

' ROBERT L. DAVISON. 

